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Copenhagen It Girls Sold Me on 6 Scandi-Coded Trends: Cool Denim, Polished Loafers, and a $15 Accessory

Shop picks from Ganni and Adidas.

A collage featuring a fashionable outfit a leather bag loafers and buildings by a waterfront
Credit:

Courtesy of Brands / InStyle

My week-long trip to Copenhagen, Denmark followed a jam-packed itinerary. Must-sees included beautiful canals, world-renowned bakeries, freshly bloomed cherry blossoms, and vibrant rows of Lego-esque townhouses. Admittedly, though, the best part of my visit had nothing to do with my carefully curated travel agenda, but rather the style of chic passerbys. I boarded my flight back to New York City with a newfound appreciation for Scandinavian style, and a lot of shopping to do.   

Cool Copenhagen locals rely on uniforms complete with polished layers, relaxed denim, slouchy shoulder bags, and eye-catching hair candy. Their looks are nothing short of fashionable, yet functional enough for unpredictable weather and miles of cycling across the city. Since Scandi style translates perfectly in NYC (and beyond), I’m following suit and snagging the following pieces starting at just $15.

Polished Layers

Much like New York, Copenhagen faces a sartorially confusing spring and summer. Since temperatures shift at the drop of a hat, natives and tourists alike turn to easy lightweight layers. It was easy to spot a Scandi girl, though, considering they’re always sporting the most polished, elevated versions of traditional trenches and windbreakers. Bonus: I seldom spotted a style that didn’t include an outfit-making, breeze-blocking funnel neckline.  

It-Girl Track Pants

I’m convinced that sweatpants simply don’t exist in Europe. Instead, It girls reach for flattering, leg-elongating track pants like this classic Adidas pair. Rather than styling easy bottoms with hoodies and tees, Copenhagen locals elevate their looks with surprising tops like cashmere sweaters and sophisticated blouses. I even saw formal track-pant iterations like this gorgeous satin Gap pair that feels like pajamas.

Slouchy, Oversized Bags

Danes officially convinced me to ditch my impractical mini bags for something that’ll take up space. Both men and women were wearing large slouchy shoulder bags and roomy crossbodys. Not only do capacious carryalls make city commutes a whole lot easier, but they also instantly upgrade the most basic ensembles. I’m especially eyeing this splurge-worthy tote from Copenhagen-based brand Baum und Pferdgarten. 

Easy Loafers

Since biking and walking are major forms of Copenhagen transportation, locals know a thing or two about supportive footwear. If girls weren’t sporting fun sneakers, they were in sleek, timeless loafers. Much like the rest of the Scandi uniform, the easy slip-ons are reliable, functional, comfortable, and seriously chic. I swear by my pairs from Madewell and Steve Madden, but I’m also considering this patterned Adidas option for summer.   

Relaxed Denim

Skinny jeans may (allegedly) be back in NYC, but Danish women are all about baggy denim. I spotted relaxed, low-slung jeans on practically every passerby. You can never go wrong with Levi’s, and the Super Baggy Barrel Leg style is right on par with the Scandi aesthetic. Plus, peruse pairs from BDG and Old Navy starting at just $35 for a limited time.   

Outfit-Making Accessories

If there’s one thing I know about Copenhagen girls: They’re masters at accessorizing. Subtle-yet-stylish rosette hair clips, dramatic scrunchies, neck scarves, or all of the above completed the outfits of the coolest fashion people I saw. Naturally, I filled my carry-on with unique pieces like this oversized Ganni scrunchie that’s already serving as a compliment magnet. After my week abroad, I certainly won’t be skimping on accessories this summer. 

Run to snag these Scandinavian-coded summer styles starting at just $15

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